Bosnian Canadians gear up for World Cup opening match in Toronto

Brothers Adis and Amir Mrakovic are ready to celebrate both their heritage and their adopted home when Canada takes on Bosnia-Herzegovina in Friday's World Cup opening match in Toronto.

The brothers, who were born in Bosnia and moved to Canada as teenagers, own Mrakovic Fine Foods, a family Eastern European deli tucked into a residential corner of Etobicoke. When the match kicks off, they're converting their parking lot into a watch party venue where people can eat, drink, and cheer for whichever team they support.

"Everybody's encouraged to cheer for who they want and have a blast," Adis said. When asked who they hope wins, both brothers said a draw would suit them fine — they're happy to celebrate both countries at once.

The Mrakovics aren't alone in their excitement. The Bosnian Canadian Association is projecting roughly 25,000 Bosnians and diaspora members will be in the Greater Toronto Area for the tournament, travelling from Bosnia, Europe, the U.S., Canada, and as far as Australia. Emina Kapo, the association's general director, said the moment is profound for the community.

"It's going to be a lot of connection, a lot of beauty, a lot of community," Kapo said. "I'm really excited for Toronto and Canada to experience what football means for Bosnians."

Bosnia is making only its second World Cup appearance since its debut at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.